The best free events and festivals in NYC

Grand Bazaar is one of NYC's oldest and largest marketplaces where you can buy vintage treasures, antiques, clothing and more goodies from more than 150 local merchants. Photographers, jewelers and furniture designers sell their best on Sundays between 10am and 5pm on the Upper West Side (77th Street at Columbus Avenue), rain or shine. Each week offers a different theme, from featuring women-owned businesses to focusing on handmade items to spotlighting international wares. The market runs both indoors and outdoors each week all year long. As a testament to the beloved Grand Bazaar's staying power, the market is celebrating 40 years in 2025. Grand Bazaar also has a mission to give back with 100% of its profits from booth rentals supporting four local public schools, helping with everything from school supplies through teaching assistants.

Don’t bother with Orlando. Coney Island is its very own magical kingdom, setting off free, sensational fireworks every Friday night through August 28. Grab a frank and snag a comfortable spot on the boardwalk to celebrate the end of the work week every week. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45pm and launch in front of Deno's Wonderwheel Park, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the iconic boardwalk and amusement parks. The spectacular show is presented by the Alliance for Coney Island. 

Step back in time to August 1776 at Green-Wood Cemetery's commemoration of the Battle of Brooklyn. The battle was the largest battle of the Revolutionary War and the first to take place after the signing of the Declaration of Independence—it took place on land that's now part of Green-Wood Cemetery. Events on Sunday, August 23 include a chance to meet costumed interpreters, experience a 1776 soldiers encampment, do some 18th-century laundry, see historical demonstrations and listen to stories of the American Revolution. Plus, all are welcome to participate in a march to Battle Hill, the highest natural point in Brooklyn and a key site of the 1776 battle.  This event isn't just for history nerds. All ages are invited for a fun afternoon of activities that bring NYC's revolutionary history to life and honor the bravery of those who fought for America's independence 250 years ago. Visitors are welcome to bring picnics and blankets to enjoy on the Main Entrance Meadow—something not usually permitted at Green-Wood. It's free to attend, with advance reservation recommended.

Celebrity pets have been a thing long before Paris Hilton put her tiny dog in her purse. A new exhibit at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts puts the animals in the spotlight they always deserved, now through February 23, 2027. Unleashed: Pets of the Performing Arts celebrates the beloved pets who have shaped and inspired some of the greatest performing artists of all time, from Baryshnikov to Billie Holiday. It’s a delightful reminder that even the most inspired genius probably had lengthy, one-sided conversations with a silent pet about when she'd come home.

For far too long, people have looked down upon the unicycle, ridiculing riders for how silly they look perched up high above a single wheel. It’s time that one-wheel lovers unite and take over the streets of New York! That’s just what the NYC Unicycle Festival plans to do once again over Labor Day weekend. To kick things off on Thursday, September 3, unicyclists will meet up in Battery Park and cruise up the West Side to Central Park. The next day, on Friday, September 4, riders group head over the Brooklyn Bridge to Coney Island together before the main event over the weekend: two days of 34th Ave Open Street in Jackson Heights, Queens. The free, four-day event is presented by the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus—don't forget to sign the waiver on their website.

Coming at the tail end of the three-day weekend this year, the annual Labor Day Parade and March heads downtown in the late afternoon, offering a good reason to leave work early that Tuesday and partake in the solidarity. Whether you’re marching with actors, nurses, engineers and organizers or are just there for support, you’re certain to leave feeling proud of the city. The parade begins at 4:30pm at Liberty Street between Broadway and Church Street.